Brownsville TV News reported that roughly 53,000 “winter Texans” come to the Rio Grande Valley during the winter months and contribute a positive economic impact the broadcast estimated at about $1.9 billion annually.

The report said many winter visitors choose Brownsville for its tropical weather, proximity to South Padre Island, cultural attractions, museums, trails, the Gladys Porter Zoo and SpaceX viewing. The broadcast promoted the Winter Texan Expo at the Brownsville Events Center on Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., hosted by the city and the Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley Association. The event will include vendors, raffles and activities for seasonal residents.

Representatives credited seasonal visitors with supporting restaurants, hotels, RV parks and local tours; the Gladys Porter Zoo said it receives returning visitors from as far as Canada. The broadcast included quotes from seasonal visitors who said they planned fishing, golf and sightseeing during their stay.

The broadcast’s $1.9 billion figure was presented as an annual economic impact driven predominantly by spending during the roughly four-month winter season. The report did not provide a source methodology or an official study citation for the estimate in the segment.

Organizers and the Convention & Visitors Bureau advised visitors to check the visitor center in downtown Brownsville or the city’s web resources for information about events and activities. For Brownsville TV News, Jennifer Galvan filed the segment.